Joystick button layout

Gaming joysticks are very similar to each other; they have a standard set of buttons with similar functions, however, a beginner may get confused with them. Therefore, let’s look at the standard arrangement of function keys on the joystick.

Do all joysticks have the same button layout?

The most popular gaming consoles can be divided into two large groups: Sony PS and Xbox. The gamepads for them differ somewhat, but not much. All joysticks have a standard set of keys and their distribution into groups:

• two sticks – left and right (or fungus);
• D-pad arrows;
• function keys;
• “menu” (called differently in different consoles);
• start;
• triggers and bumpers (located at the end).

These keys are a must on the gamepad, but their name and location may vary slightly. We'll look at the button layout on the PS3 joystick.

Gamepad front panel

In the entire series of Sony consoles, gamepads have not changed much, so by looking at the example of the location of the buttons on the PS3 console, you can understand the rest of the models.

The basic keys are located on the front panel of the gamepad.

• D-pad This group is located on the left side of the joystick and represents the hero and cursor control arrows.
• Functional buttons. Located on the right side: a cross, a square, a circle and a triangle. They represent different functions in different games, so before starting the game you need to go to the settings and see their functionality.
• Select pauses the game, going to the menu.
• Start – starts the game, pauses it, opens an additional menu.
• PS allows you to access the internal system menu.

Sticks should be given special attention. Each of them has a dual function: rotation and pressing. In general, the sticks are designated by the letters L and R. Accordingly, the left stick (left) and the right stick (right). If the game requires L3 or R3, you need to press the corresponding stick.

Buttons on the end of the joystick

There are 4 keys at the end of the gamepad.

1. L1 and L2;
2. R1 and R

Their functions vary depending on the type of game. The main thing is to know their designations, and then it will be easy to understand their purpose with the help of the instructions.